Babul Hosen | May 5, 2018

When you discover this Monument for the first time it really does look imposing, stood in the centre of a very busy Bangkok road - Ratchadamnoen Klang Road at the intersection with Dinso Road. Democracy Monument completely occupies a huge roundabout on this major thoroughfare. Its distinguishing features are the four wings, which are located at four equally spaced points around a smaller central shrine. The wings are decorated with artworks of war and war related events representing the four branches of the Thai armed forces. It is quite impressive when seen from a distance, but maybe not worth the hazard involved in running across five lanes of Bangkok traffic for a closer look. The monument is about halfway between Sanam Luang, the former royal cremation ground in front of Wat Phra Kaew, and the temple of the Golden Mount ( Wat Saket ). The monument was commissioned in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 Siamese coup d'état which led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in what was then the Kingdom of Siam, by its military ruler, Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsonggram Phibun. He envisaged the monument as the centrepiece of a new, westernised Bangkok. The monument was designed by Mew Aphaiwong, an architect whose brother Khuang Aphaiwong was a leading member of Phibun's regime. The Italian sculptor Corrado Feroci, who became a Thai citizen and used the Thai name Silpa Bhirasi executed the relief sculptures around the base of the monument. He also provided the main sculpting for the renown Lady Mo monument in the North Eastern Thailand gateway city of Nakhon Ratchasima ( Korat ). The building of the Monument was highly unpopular at the time. Local residents and shopkeepers ( mostly Chinese ) were evicted from their homes and businesses with only 60 days' notice. The widening of Ratchadamnoen Road to create a ceremonial boulevard involved cutting down hundreds of shady trees, a serious matter in the days before air conditioning, given Bangkok's torrid climate. The wings are 24 metres high, and this is also the radius of the base of the monument, marking the fact that the 1932 coup took place on 24 June. The central turret is three metres high, representing the month of June, which is the third month of the traditional Thai calendar. There were originally 75 small cannon around the outer ring of the monument, representing the year of the coup, 2475 in the Buddhist calendar. During the era of military dictatorships, demonstrators often assembled here to call for a return to democracy, most notably in 1973 and 1976 and 1992. Recently demonstrators rallied here in their thousands in January 2014.

shelja kannelil | May 29, 2018

Pretty impressive structure. Close to Khao San road. Unless you are really into history, I was not, it's just a good landmark to have. We stayed near this place. You will have to take a bus from Phaya Thaya station. Trust Google maps. We did in Thailand.

Arun Kumar | Apr 11, 2018

Biggest of huge temple complexes in and around Siem Reap. Restoration work is in progress. Friendly and nice people. Sunrise us an absolute must see. When you go ensure you have firm comfortable shoes, sun hat and water. It needs 2 to 6 hrs to do some justice. MUST SEE.

SAURABH SINGH | Feb 9, 2018

Near Khao San Road, a simple structure at the major road crossing, easy availability of public transport, u can see it from Ur vehicle, or may cross the roads to click a nice selfie.

Rayvat Utamote | Jan 28, 2018

This is the symbol of democracy, which was granted to Thai citizens during the reign of King Rama VII. There are many good restaurants nearby, including the fast food chain Mc Donald. There are many good museums too, which are worth the entry fees. Many tourists abound this area since the place is near Kao Sarn Road, which offer cheap accommodations to the backpackers. One can also go to Emerald Buddha Temple as well as Golden Mountain which are also the attractions in Bangkok.

Ye Tao | Dec 12, 2017

Yes, it is a big & busy roundabout but surprisingly easy to cross over as long as you stand before zebra lines, some of which has traffic lights and some no traffic light. For the latter, the most drivers will nicely slow down & give you way. Very much appreciated!

Aaron Bogott | Jan 27, 2018

An impressive roundabout in Bangkok and one close to where we stayed. We used several taxis, but for the most part we just walked around the downtown area. It was quite easy to get around.

John Tucker | Feb 17, 2018

I enjoyed walking around this place at night more than during the day. I thought the lighting at night really made the monument look really beautiful. I only was able to look at it from a distance though because it was fenced off when I was there so you couldn't walk around inside the monument. I would have enjoyed being able to walk around closer.